Vietnam welcomes over 6.33 million foreign tourists in 10 months
Foreign arrivals to Vietnam reached more than 6.33 million in the first ten months of this year, a decrease of 4.1 percent year-on-year, announced the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Tourists to the Rung Sac-Can Gio eco-tourism area in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)🌌 – Foreign arrivals to Vietnam reached more than 6.33 million in the first ten months of this year, a decrease of 4.1 percent year-on-year, announced the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) on November 3.
In October, the number of foreign visitors to the country increased 3.6 percent against the previous month and 16.1 percent compared to the same month last year.
Tourist growth was seen in markets with visa exemptions, high spending and long stays such as the Republic of Korea, up 30.7 percent; Hong Kong, 28 percent; Singapore, 16.9 percent; Spain, 9.8 percent; Finland, 9.1 percent; and the US, 7.9 percent.
Meanwhile, Cambodia posted a decrease of 43.9 percent in the number of holidaymakers to Vietnam, followed by Thailand and Laos with respective year-on-year drops of 22.9 percent and 22.2 percent.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City tourism has seen encouraging results over the past months. In the first three quarters, the capital posted a 13 percent year-on-year increase in the number of foreign tourists and a 10 percent annual rise in tourism revenue. The southern economic hub estimated to receive over 3.63 million visitors in the first ten months, up 4.6 percent year-on-year and fulfilling 77 percent of the yearly target.
During the 10-month period, the central province of Binh Thuan welcomed 363,510 international arrivals, up 12.3 percent against the same period last year, while more than 750,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang, marking a year-on-year increase of 44 percent.
In the remaining months of 2015, the Vietnamese tourism sector will carry out a range of measures to lure vacationers, including promotion programmes abroad. At present, Vietnam is attending the World Tourism Market (WTM) in the UK from November 2-5 and will take part in a tourism fair in Chengdu city, China this December.
To attract tourists from European markets which enjoy visa exemptions, the VNAT will organise programmes introducing the Vietnamese tourism in France, Germany, Spain and Belarus as well as welcome business and journalist delegations from these countries to explore Vietnam’s tourism.
The local tourism potential will be introduced in Singapore and Hong Kong as they are the largest tourist transit centres in Asia.
A new regulation on passport and visa fees, which will take effect on November 23, is expected to lure more foreign holidaymakers to the country. Accordingly, a single-entry visa fee will be cut down from 45 USD to 25 USD and for a multi-entry visa valid for three months, the fee will be 50 USD instead of the current 95 USD.-VNA
Vietnam signed bilateral agreements on tourism cooperation with Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar on September 9 as part of the 2015 Ho Chi Minh City international tourism fair.
The number of foreign tourists to Vietnam has grown over the last three months, following a 13-month decline due to diseases, unstable economy and fierce regional competition.
Travel operators attending the recently-concluded International Trade Show for Asian Travel Market (ITB Asia) hailed Vietnam’s 15-day visa exemption for tourists.
Vietnamese travel agencies are actively making preparations as they anticipate both opportunities and challenges in a more competitive environment when the ASEAN Community is established.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Tourists to the Rung Sac-Can Gio eco-tourism area in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
